The sea battles are absolutely epic, more realistic and thrilling than John Woo's 2008 "Red Cliff" or even Peter Weir's 2003 "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World."

The film is already a hit in South Korea, but it lacks the character interest that might make it connect elsewhere.

No expense has been spared when it comes to the naval battle itself, which takes up the whole second half of the film and contains enough twists and turns to grip throughout.

Korea's national hero Admiral Yi is brought to life as Choi Min-sik in a big budget but rather one-dimensional spectacle...